How Do I Remove Starter Motor?

[BigRik13]

Hello - mk1 110 TDI Sharan.

 

The Swedish weather has played havok with my starter and it seems to be shot.

 

I've removed the undertray and tried applying +12v to the starter braid, but not a sausage (though it's eating a lot of current).

 

I've been smacking it with a hammer, but the best I get is a split second whirr when I try to start.

 

I can see how to remove the lower mounting bolt on the starter motor, but how can I get to the top bolt? It seems to be pretty inaccessible by all tools but my fingers.

 

Other posts here have described grazing fingers in trying to do it, it seems impossible!

 

Any help appreciated!

 

R

[BigRik13]

OK so I tried a bit harder and, despite having no skin on my knuckles, I managed to remove the bolts. It really is a case of reaching in and working blind!

 

On my walk back to the house I slipped on some ice and now I think I've broken my arm - at least my knuckles don't feel as bad.

 

Replacement ordered (starter, not arm), and it'll be time to knock the scabs off, putting it in.

[f0ster]

it is most likely the brushes worn out and no longer contacting the armature, I got a brush set from fleebay complete with mounting plate £14.00, it can be fitted without removing the starter

[BigRik13]

Given that there's loads of manufacturers of starters, if I replace the brushes on my old one, to keep as a working spare, do I need to find the make and serial number? The one I've removed was previously reconditioned, so only has the reconditioners name plate on it. (ie presumably bosch needs bosch brushes, not lucas)?